Jesus Christ is a historical figure verified by several Roman historians and other non-Christian figures.[1]
Whatever one's personal religious convictions, it is undeniable that Jesus Christ has played a massive role in Worldhistory.

Origins

In the years immediately after the death of Jesus on the cross, Christianity rapidly developed into a Jewish sect. It was gaining many members and as such was frowned upon and persecuted by both their Roman masters and Jewish brothers. Paul was a Romanised Jew who on the road to Damascus dramatically changed his mind and religion after receiving a revelation from God.

Effect on Ancient History

Many of the changes brought about by Jesus are evident in the Bible, primarily in his attempts to break down the corruption that was occurring in Judaism.
Many of the sweeping changes in Christianity can be directly attributed to Him.

One example is the break down of the old laws regarding food in Leviticus 11.
These laws limited the foodstuffs and animals that could be eaten by Jews.
However when Jesus was questioned by the Pharisees after eating food before washing his hands he states:

Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.' Mark 7:15 (NIV)

Thus the new 'Jewish Sect' that was Christianity was allowed to eat any food whereas the original Jewish religion—whose adherents do not believe in the Divinity of Jesus—still to this day limit themselves to the foodstuffs laid down in Leviticus.

Although the first part of the verse is the most well known and quoted the second part is often overlooked[Citation Needed] by Christians, particularly in modern times. "Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.'"